Aspiring to change the world; one pound cake at a time

No Animals Were Harmed in the Making of This

I am not a vegetarian, but I did spend quite a few years without eating meat. I still ate fish. I am not sure why I made the distinction there, but it doesn’t really matter now. Eventually, I just found that I was unable to find enough variety in my meals to continue and my protein intake was probably too low as well. I was a picky veg-head. I would not eat beans, cheese, most eggs–it just didn’t work. More…

I am not a vegetarian, but I did spend quite a few years without eating meat. I still ate fish. I am not sure why I made the distinction there, but it doesn’t really matter now. Eventually, I just found that I was unable to find enough variety in my meals to continue and my protein intake was probably too low as well. I was a picky veg-head. I would not eat beans, cheese, most eggs–it just didn’t work.

But now, I have broadened my culinary horizons and think I could successfully become a vegetarian, and maybe even a vegan. I think about it sometimes…but then I get a whiff of some bacon or nibble on some crispy chicken skin, and realize that it probably wouldn’t work. However, I do think that cutting back on meat is a great way to go; almost like a treat now and again. And if I was not convinced that I could go to a mostly plant-based diet, Unit 26: Plant Based Alternatives provided the final puzzle piece. The fact is, with bacon being a caveat, you can eat plant-based menus–enjoy satisfying meals and health–without feeling deprived. The graded assignment alone was to-die-for. Just take a look for yourself…

This tofu chocolate cream pie may have been the silkiest cream pie I have ever had. Its creaminess and decadence were complimented by fresh raspberries and some vegan cream made from coconut cream that I whipped up. The pie was wonderful the first day and perfection the second day. The coconut whipped cream even held its form and the pie’s crust and filling had firmed up brilliantly.

I can see using the filling as pudding or in a over-the-top trifle. The chocolate pudding might also lend itself to a filling layer in a cake or in a cream puff. The crust would be a great base for bar cookies or cheese cake. I know that cheese cake is not vegan, but the crust is very tasty regardless of its status of being vegan. It might also lend itself to topping fish or scallops.